The penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia 2025, Giro d’Italia Stage 20, from Verrès to Sestrière, is currently underway and shaping up to be the most decisive day of this year’s Corsa Rosa. At 205 kilometers, with over 4,500 meters of elevation gain, this is the final, brutal mountain test that will ultimately determine the fate of the maglia rosa. Mexican sensation Isaac Del Toro, the current race leader, entered the day with a slim 43-second advantage over Richard Carapaz, and the tension is palpable as riders tackle the legendary Colle delle Finestre. Live reports indicate that the attacks have begun early, with Simon Yates, Richard Carapaz, and Isaac Del Toro himself launching decisive moves on the brutal Colle delle Finestre. This stage promises to be a true battle for the general classification, a thrilling climax to three weeks of intense racing.
The route profile for Giro d’Italia Stage 20 reads like a mountaineer’s dream (or nightmare). The first 100 kilometers are lumpy but serve as a mere appetizer for the main courses to come. The initial categorized climb, a Category 4 ascent to Corio, comes after 69 kilometers. From there, the road pitches steadily uphill, leading to the Colle del Lys, a Category 2 climb stretching 13.7 km with an average gradient of 4.3% and pitches up to 12%. Riders then face a descent and a long valley section, a brief respite before the undisputed giant of this Giro: the Colle delle Finestre.
Table of Contents
The Colle delle Finestre: Where the Giro is Won or Lost
The Colle delle Finestre is not just a climb; it’s a monument in cycling. Standing at 2,178 meters, it’s the Cima Coppi of the 2025 Giro, the highest point of the race. This 18.5-kilometer ascent averages a staggering 9.2% gradient, with sections hitting 14%. What makes it even more formidable is the gravel, or sterrato, section in its latter half. This unpaved stretch adds an element of raw, unforgiving challenge, turning the climb into a true test of grit, bike handling, and climbing prowess. The ascent is a classic, hairpin-heavy beast, demanding constant focus and incredible power. The Red Bull Kilometer, offering crucial bonus seconds, is positioned approximately four kilometers from the summit, adding another layer of strategic importance.
Reports from the road confirm that the Finestre is living up to its reputation. Richard Carapaz and Simon Yates have both unleashed powerful attacks on the lower slopes, trying to dislodge Del Toro. The young Mexican has shown remarkable resilience throughout this Giro, but the Finestre is a different beast entirely. Every pedal stroke on this climb is an exercise in suffering, and the gravel sections can be particularly brutal, causing punctures and disrupting rhythm. The last time the Giro tackled the Finestre with a Sestrière finish was in 2018, a day etched in cycling history when Chris Froome launched a daring long-range attack that secured his Giro title. Fans are hoping for similar drama today.
The Road to Sestrière: A Final Uphill Battle
After conquering the Colle delle Finestre, riders face a narrow, technical descent. This treacherous section demands precision and skill, where a momentary lapse can lead to disaster. Once off the Finestre, the final challenge awaits: a steady climb to the ski village of Sestrière. This is not as steep as the Finestre, but it is a long, grinding ascent, approximately 9.2 kilometers at an average of 5.4%. Though paved, fatigue will play a massive role here. Any gains made on the Finestre need to be maintained or extended on this final uphill push.
As of the latest updates, Isaac Del Toro is being relentlessly tested by his rivals. His UAE Team Emirates XRG squad has been strong throughout the Giro, but the Finestre is an individual battleground. Carapaz, a former Giro winner, clearly believes this is his moment to seize the maglia rosa. Simon Yates, despite some reported frustration with his team’s tactics on previous stages, is also throwing everything he has into this final mountain challenge. The general classification battle is truly coming down to the wire on Giro d’Italia Stage 20.
The day is set to conclude around 4:15 PM local time (CEST). The stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Del Toro hold on to his historic lead in his debut Giro, or will the experience and explosive power of Carapaz or Yates prove too much on these iconic Alpine climbs? The drama of Giro d’Italia Stage 20 is unfolding, promising a memorable conclusion to the mountain stages of this Grand Tour. Cycling enthusiasts worldwide are glued to their screens, witnessing a true test of endurance, strategy, and mental fortitude.
Stay tuned for the final results and analysis of this epic stage, as the battle for pink reaches its zenith. The rider who emerges victorious today will have earned it through immense suffering and unyielding determination on the Alpine roads of Italy.